Aussie Speedway GP star Max Fricke has confirmed he will not lead British Premiership runners-up Leicester into 2026.
Fricke revealed that he would be leaving the Lions on his Instagram account earlier today, having raced for the club since 2023.
He inspired them to back-to-back play-off finals, which saw Leicester miss out against Belle Vue in 2024 and Ipswich this year as their search for a top-flight title continues. But the Lions did lift this year’s Premiership Knockout Cup – their first silverware at the highest level.
Fricke posted: “A massive thank you to Leicester Lions for an incredible last three seasons with the club. Thank you to every single person behind the scenes, the management, mechanics, sponsors, and of course the fans who have supported me and watched me race week in, week out. Your support has meant everything to me, and I've loved every second of being part of this team.
“I've made memories I'll never forget ... But as they say, all good things come to an end. Time for a change. Watch this space.”
Team manager Stewart Dickson revealed that Lions have opted to take a different path in their team building for 2026 as clubs select six riders within a 37.00-point combined limit, plus one Rising Star.
Dickson said: “This is always one of the hardest decisions to make, but as ever I have to go with what I feel is best for the team overall under the rules that are in place.
“Max has been brilliant for us over the last three years; he and his team have been ultimate professionals, and Max has delivered on track for us time and again as well as offering plenty of input as captain.
“There are no problems between us, and he was certainly open to a return to Leicester had we decided to go in that direction.
“With the points limit going down by three points, and the fact that we were already two points above the existing limit, that was always going to mean a more significant change than we made last winter. With the averages of the other riders, we would have had to make substantial moves elsewhere and I just don’t see how we would have been able to achieve the balance we need. Max, of course, would have continued scoring heavily, but I feel we would have lost out elsewhere.
“I believe we will have a side which still has top-end power but also enables us to score down the order, so while it’s a difficult call, I do feel it’s the correct one.
“Max deserves all the plaudits for what he has brought to the club. He has played a major part in establishing us in this league, and we wish him all the very best for 2026 in his league racing and the Grand Prix.”